35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say: Surprising Things We Say That Widen the Diversity Gap

by Maura Cullen

Book Overview

EVEN WELL-INTENDED PEOPLE CAN CAUSE HARM Have you ever heard yourself or someone else say: ""Some of my best friends are... (Black, White, Asian, etc.)""? ""I don't think of you as... (Gay, Disabled, Jewish, etc.)""? ""I don't see color, I'm colorblind""? These statements and dozens like them can build a divide between us and the people we interact with. Though well-intended, they often widen the diversity gap sometimes causing irreparable harm personally...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1600374913
• ISBN13: 9781600374913
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
• Length: 141 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.9" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

"Well-Said!

This book opened my eyes to how others feel. As an "open & honest" person I have the tendency to say what is on my mind not realizing the overall harm. This book helped me to realize things I say may do long term harm and contribute to lasting problems within the workplace. Understanding how others feel is the key to working and living well together. Dr. Cullen's thought provoking book is a good read and serves as a reference tool for me. Thanks to her for the enlightenment!

Very eye opening!

I LOVED this book. Very insightful. Like Maura said in the book, there were things that I have said that were mention and I was completely surprised, and a little ashamed that I have made these well-intended remarks and not realizing how incredibly dumb they are. I am responsible for educating my students on embracing diversity and acceptance of others and I, along with many student affairs professionals, fail to realize that we are not completely aware of our own faults and we are not above receiving this type of education. We need to be reviewing our own stance on diversity as we teach it to others. Another aspect that I liked is that she provided game plans or "best bets". At our university we discuss diversity issues and report on where our departments stand in our goals to increase awareness, but my issue has always been that we rarely discuss plans of action. It is great to report out on your successes but it is just as important to discuss our downfalls and how we plan to overcome them. This book provided me with that. I am going to require this book for all of my students!

Been waiting for a book like this

Wow...it has been a long time since I have waited for a book like this---simple to follow, easy to understand, helpful rather than accusatory or blaming....and finally....expresses the need for compassion while still addressing the situation!--Congrats---I must have for anyone doing diversity work.--jds

A must read for all!

If you are looking for a book to help you better understand social awareness and diversity - this is it! Dr. Cullen clearly, and without accusation, teaches how to better communicate with others when it comes to diversity and the things even the well-intended person says. Her solutions are logical, compassionate, and non-combative. It is a quick read, and a good read! It is a book every human being should read and one from which every person will learn and benefit.

Insightful, quick read

This book was incredibly insightful, bringing into focus ideas and concepts that I hadn't fully pieced together in the past. I would recommend this quick read to everyone, I cannot think of a single person who wouldn't benefit from the information in this book! Dr. Cullen's words have stuck with me and I have since modified the way I communicate with others, keeping in mind the core concepts she presents.